Andrew Tyler, director of Animal Aid, said: "The Aintree authorities and the British Horse Racing Authority have been claiming that major new safety measures and efficiencies would eliminate much of the risk associated with racing on the Grand National course.

"But today's Fox Hunters' Chase, in which Battlefront lost his life, was stomach-wrenchingly chaotic from start to finish. Several horses fell or were pulled up, tired and potentially injured.

"It was both utterly depressing and served as confirmation that the Aintree authorities have got it badly wrong once again."

Battlefront was the 23rd horse to die on the Grand National course since 2000, Animal Aid said.